Saturday, March 12, 2005

Another one of Jill's pictures from Costa Rica

Greenscape Gardens
Boy, we're we surprised!

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The original Greenscape vehicle. Someday!!!!!! I'm going to restore it.

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THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!

GARDENING IS THE SLOWEST......OF THE PERFORMING ARTS.

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Thanks again. The weather starts to warm up and the website is getting hot. Hooray! 31,000 web site visits. Plus over 108,000 web page views. We intend to keep adding new features and daily updates via the green blog. The weekly Internet Gardening Coupon returns with savings galore! Watch for it on Fridays.

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HOUSEPLANT CARE

Re-potting

When should a plant be re-potted? Some plants may need re-potting each year while others may not need it for many years. Also, some plants seem to do well when pot-bound while others do not.

Here are some indicators for when a plant needs to be re-potted.
• Roots begin to grow through the drainage holes.
• Roots appear on the soil surface.
• The soil mass is filled with roots.
• New leaves are smaller than normal.
• The plant wilts between normal waterings.

Timing is important. Re-potting is best accomplished when the plant is actively growing. Typically this is done in spring or early summer. Sometimes it is best to simply replace the old and tired plant, especially if it is too large for the space. You may purchase a new one, or depending upon the plant type, make a new plant using the correct propagation technique.

Gently knock the plant out of its container and look at the roots. For root-bound plants, cut and/or unwind any circling roots. If there is a salt buildup (crusty white residue) on the soil surface, remove it carefully by scraping away the top inch of old soil. Then replant into the new container using fresh potting mix. Make sure the plant is re-potted at the same depth it was grown in the old pot. Gently press the soil around the roots and water immediately. Also, leave a little room at the top of the pot to allow for easy watering.

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HELLEBORUS 2005 PERENNIAL PLANT OF THE YEAR

The Perennial Plant Association has named “Helleborus xhybridus” 2005 Perennial Plant of the Year.

The common name of this marvelous shade plant is Lenten Rose. It is an evergreen, late-winter or early-spring flowering member of the buttercup family. Lenten rose is hardy in the St. Louis area. Mature plants can from clumps that are 18” to 24” tall and 24” to 30” wide. Long lasting blooms are available in many colors and appear as single or double forms. Mature plants often have 50 or more flowers per plant. This evergreen perennial performs best in partial to full shade, but makes an outstanding combination plant for adding color, texture, and habit to the ornamental landscape.

For additional information check out the Perennial Plant Association Website.

Greenscape Gardens has a great selection of Helleborus in stock. Hurry in for the best selections.

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MOVIE TRAILERS --- I'm not talking about the kind you pull behind a vehicle.

Can't get enough of the movies! Try this website to see some of the best highlights of the best trailers.

Friday, March 11, 2005

OHHHH! The splendor of the Grand Canyon.

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More container gardens from Saturday's Symposium

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The crew just starting to unload the trailer load of nursery stock from Oregon. All smiles at the beginning and still smiling when they were finished. Great Job, Guys.

Greenscape Gardens
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!

A TRANQUILIZER IS NOT AS EFFECTIVE.......
AS A SUNNY SPRING DAY

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NURSERY STOCK ROLLING IN DAILY

The trucks keep rolling into the Greenscape Gardens. Yesterday three loads of mulch, one tandem of topsoil and another tandem of compost. Today, we were greeted with a truckload of nursery stock from Oklahoma which included some awesome Bracken's Brown Magnolias, extra large Foster Hollies, Pee Gee Hydranga trees and some variegated azaleas. That truck pulled out and 30 minutes later a truck from Oregon arrived. It was packed with nursery stock from three Oregon growers. This is the first time we have been able to consolidate into one truck this much stock, therefore saving over a thousand dollars of freight. Take a look at the photo from today's Oregon truck. The truck included the largest selection of Japanesse Maple varieties. Outstanding Sargentti crabs, weeping cherries, beeches......too many to name.
Come in a check for yourself (hopefully we'll have them put away by Saturday).

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DISCOVER THE FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT HOME IN KIRKWOOD

On some warm spring day, (hopefully soon) check out the Frank Lloyd Wright House in Kirkwood. Its located on Ballas Road just south of Dougherty Ferry Road. St. Louis County has restored the home, however check with the County Parks for admission times since it seems closed more than open and parking is very limited. Another Frank Lloyd Wright house in the news.

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Some of the best scenes in the movies never make it to the Silver Screen. Lately it seems that more outtakes are being shown during the credits. Check out this site for the movie bloopers.
More container gardens from the Symposium on Saturday

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Josh Eckhoff and his unit returned last week from their tour of duty in Iraq.

Greenscape Gardens

Thursday, March 10, 2005

THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY!

THERE IS STILL NO CURE....FOR THE COMMON BIRTHDAY

IF YOU REST.......YOU RUST

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Here's an original idea for bringing nature into your hardscaping the natural way. This concept has been around for a long time but its rather difficult to sometimes pull off. Check out natural hardscaping.

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The public is invited to share in an historical American event as space heroes gather to honor their own during the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame's 2005 Induction ceremony on Saturday, April 30 at 2:30 PM. To celebrate, Kennedy Space Center visitor Complex will feature guest appearances and autograph sessions with current Hall of Fame Astronauts on April 30 and April 31. Space Shuttle Astronauts Bruce McCandless, the first person to fly free in space; Joe Allen, an astronaut who snared two crippled satellites on the first salvage mission; and Gordon Fullerton, the Shuttle Commander who overcame an engine failure and a near-abort to reach orbit will join such Astronaut Hall of Fame heroes as Alan Shepard, John Glenn, Neil Armstrong and Sally Ride.

More than 30 astronauts are scheduled to attend to honor the latest inductees including Jim Lovell, John Young, Bob Crippen and Charlie Duke. The Induction ceremony is included as part of regular admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Special Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Weekend packages are available and include reserved seating at the Induction Ceremony; choice of one of two Dine With an Astronaut programs to be held April 30; two day Maximum Access Admission to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex; and a commemorative souvenir featuring the 2005 inductees. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Weekend tickets are available online or by calling 321-449-4400.

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KNOCK OUT ROSES

The most incredible new plant for landscaping is definitely the "Knockout Rose". In 2005, the release of the "Double Knockout Rose" will once again take St. Louis gardening to another high. The only problem is that the "Double Knockout Rose" will be in very limited quanities. Check out the Knockout Rose.

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

Using a bird bath is thinking outside the container.

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Now this is thinking outside the container. I thought our entry would be unique but this entry is very interesting.

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Sherwood's Forest entry in the container garden contest.

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CHECK OUT THE "NEW" BUSCH STADIUM RISING TO THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE "OLD" BUSCH STADIUM. Your tax dollars hard at work. For some reason, Greenscape Gardens has never received any free tax relief. Heck, we don't even charge admissions. We presently have free admissions on any day ending in Y.

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THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY!

GIVE YOUR WEEDS AN INCH.....AND THEY'LL TAKE YOUR YARD

RAINBOWS APOLOGIZE.......FOR ANGRY SKIES.

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The nursery stock is coming in daily. Another 6,000 perennials arrived today. The perennial planting crew has been planting up a storm. The only problem is.......where to put them? We presently have the 4,000 sq ft perennial house plum full. Benches are full and we have even put the excess on the concrete temporarily. Hoop house 1 has 1300 Knock Out Roses and approximately 2000 perennials. Hoop house 2 has another 4,000 perennials with room hopefully for another 4,000 perennials. Plus another 5,000 perennials will be arriving soon from Oregon. Busy days at the nursery. Plus the landscapers are loading up with approximately 100 yards of mulch daily.

On Friday we have one load of plants coming in from Oklahoma and another truck load from Oregon from three different nurseries. We'll have the best selection of Japanesse Red Maples in St. Louis when the truck gets unloaded. And to top that off, we have a load coming on Monday from PA. We'll have the best selection of azaleas and rhodies in town then. They'll be located in the new shade house along Barrett Station Rd. The shade garden display is adjacent to the shade house creating a great shade display consisting of azaleas, hostas and other shade loving perennials.

ITS GREAT BEING IN THE GARDEN CENTER BUSINESS!!!!!

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What did you think about all the hoopla about the CRISTO GATES in Central Park in New York City? If anyone has any political pull, we could display this fine art at Greenscape Gardens. Our walkways in the perennial gardens would definitely be eye catching. Actually, the accident rate at Dougherty Ferry and Barrett Station would probably rise.

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LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE.

Science has spent billions of money on research to tell us something we've all known for years that the best medicine is laughter. Reader's Digest has been advocating this philosophy in their monthly column for fifty years. Greenscape Gardens has been advocating this same principle with the Old Sign Philosophy sayings for twelve years. Check out this website for additional heart laughter medicine information.

Tuesday, March 08, 2005

Barry Ritter's entry in the container garden field.
Container gardens from the Horticultural Symposium at Meramec Community College.

Greenscape Gardens
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!

OBESITY.......A GROWING PROBLEM

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SEEDING AND SODDING LAWNS

Once the site is prepared (SEE MARCH 3, 2005 GREEN BLOG) and the proper grasses have been chosen, it's time to plant the lawn. Deciding whether to seed or sod involves a number of factors, as outlined below. Assuming planting is done properly, the end result of a healthy lawn should be the same whether establishing via seeding or sodding.

Comparing Seeding and Sodding Home Lawns

Advantages of Seeding
• Large choice of species and cultivars to use
• Less expensive
• Lawn develops on site

Disdvantages of Seeding
• Longer period to wait for useable lawn
• Greater chance of weed invasions & erosion
• Relatively short favorable time for establishment
• May need to reseed

Advantages of Sodding
• 'Instant' lawn
• Fewer weed invasions
• Longer favorable time for establishment
• Less erosion problems

Disdvantages of Sodding
• Expensive
• Less choice in species and varieties
• Potential soil incompatibility problems
• Rooting speed varies

Timing is critical to assure success when seeding lawns. Early September is the ideal time for seeding lawns in the St. Louis area. April would be a second choice. Seeding in late spring through mid-summer often leads to problems. Suggested seeding rates are found below. Exceeding rates may result in weak, spindly seedlings and potential disease development. Newly seeded grasses must receive adequate moisture to assure germination and early seedling survival. Putting down a light straw mulch can help prevent rapid drying and helps keep the soil in place until the grass is established. Use about two bales per 1,000 square feet.

When sodding, purchase quality sod that has been freshly cut. Try to use sod that has been grown on a similar type of soil as exists on the site. Install promptly. Stagger edges in a similar pattern as laying bricks. Avoid stretching sod or gaps between pieces of sod.

New sod should be watered thoroughly after installation, and then frequently until the sod is established. Water should go down through the sod to moisten the soil underneath for good root development. Mow newly sodded lawns on a regular basis so that no more than one third of the grass height is removed in a single mowing. A height between two and three inches is suggested. Core aerify a sodded lawn after the sod has firmly rooted to the soil. Fertilize newly sodded lawns with a starter fertilizer to enhance root establishment.

Suggested Seeding Rates for Lawn Establishment

Turf Type Tall Fescue: 10-12 lbs per thousand sq. ft.
Bluegrass: 3-4 lbs per thousand sq. ft.

Suggested Overseeding Rates of Existing Lawns.

Turf Type Tall Fescue: 5-6 lbs per thousand sq. ft.
Bluegrass: 1-2 lbs per thousand sq. ft.

Monday, March 07, 2005

Natural container gardening. We started with a oak log which was 20" in length and then sawed the log vertically to create two halves.

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Hollowed out the log (notice the chain saw marks). Applied three coats of shellac and drilled a series of holes in the bottom for drainage. Added a growers planting medium.

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The final product which included 5 minature conifers, small stones, lichen and moss. This container can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Greenscape Gardens
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!

LIFE IS FULL OF.......UPS AND POUNDS

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I RECIEVE NUMEROUS "ASK THE PRO" QUESTIONS DAILY AND I JUST REALIZED THAT THE QUESTIONS OFTEN ASKED ARE PROBABLY THE SAME QUESTIONS THAT ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE. SO STARTING TODAY, I'LL SPOTLIGHT THE QUESTIONS AND THEIR ANSWERS.....NO NAMES WILL BE USED!!!

When is the best time this year to put down crabgrass preventer? I know it is weather dependent, is there some trigger that could tell me when it is too early or too late to put it down?

Greenscape Gardens reply;

Generally when the soil temperature reaches 45, its the triggering of potential crabgrass germination. Actually, when you see the forsythia's blooming, its time to apply pre-emergent crabgrass control. If you have had crabgrass in the past, I would recommend applying a half rate of additional crabgrass control 6 weeks after the initial treatment.

Don't waste your money applying in shady areas and do not apply to warm season grasses until they come out of dormancy.
thanks john

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THE GROCERY LIST COLLECTION

Several years ago, St. Louis resident Bill Keaggy stumbled across an abandoned grocery list in a Schnuck's parking lot. He picked it up, scanned the items scribbled on it, and decided his new hoppy was to start collecting shopping lists for one simple reason: he found it funny. Since that fateful day, he's amassed almost 200 lists, some short and sweet, others long and detailed, and many painstakingly hard to read on this site.

Bill's observation about Americans and their shopping habits included: 1. Almost everyone buys milk, eggs, and onions; 2. Beer is a very popular beverage; 3. Americans have trouble spelling; 4. Many lists are beyond explanation. Bill is always following the paper trail, so if you happen upon on a wayward grocery list, foward it to Bill. Check out the grocery list.
Mackinaw Island, Michigan. Always amazed at the sights in the USA.

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Temperatures in St. Louis are supposed to be in the 20 tonight. In Costa Rica its probably 85.

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